Chicago Cubs: Who is the next man up amid the bullpen turmoil?

Chicago Cubs: Brad Wieck, LHP

This one could surprise Cubs fans, and it makes sense. Brad Wieck is the newest member of the club after he was acquired at the deadline as part of the trade which sent Carl Edwards Jr. to San Diego.

Wieck is another big left-handed reliever. If you thought Mekkes was big, he has nothing on Wieck who stands 6’9″. Initially a selection of the New York Mets in 2014, Wieck has spent most of his professional career in San Diego until recently.

Wieck got his first taste of the big leagues last season, appearing in five games for the Padres in relief. While it was a minute seven-inning sample size, Wieck allowed just one run while posting an insane 41.7% strikeout rate.

His time with San Diego before the trade was not great on paper in the ERA department, as he carried a 6.35 ERA for Triple-A El Paso. He did, however, post a 46% strikeout rate and limited his walks. Wieck has now appeared in a couple of games for Iowa.

He is sporting a 3.38 ERA with a 1.93 FIP and 33.3% strikeout rate. While this is the unlikeliest of the three guys, his big arm could find its way for a short time back to the bigs. And hopefully, he can bring his nasty swing-and-miss stuff with him.

*Editor’s Note: This piece was written on 8/5 before Kintzler went on the IL and Strop came off of it.